Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum vs. Edition Series 7: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Series 8 Aluminum offers a slightly improved display, temperature sensing, and a newer chip for marginally better performance. However, the Edition Series 7 boasts premium materials and a more refined design. For most users, the Series 8 Aluminum provides the best balance of features and value.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum | Apple Watch Edition Series 7 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2021, October 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) | 37 g (41mm), 45.1 g (45mm) (1.31 oz) |
| IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | IP6X certified 50m water resistant ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.9 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | Dual-core |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | Apple S7 |
| GPU | PowerVR | PowerVR |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | watchOS 8.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy) Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 308 mAh | Li-Ion 309 mAh (1.19 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red | Space Black, Titanium |
| Models | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 | A2475, A2476, A2477, A2478, watch6,8, watch6,9 |
| Price | About 340 EUR | About 830 EUR |
| SAR | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.50 W/kg (body) |
| Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | No | |
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Temperature Sensing for Cycle Tracking
- S8 Chip for Improved Performance
- Brighter Display
- Aluminum Build - Durable and Lightweight
- Can be pricier than older models
- Aluminum build may not appeal to those seeking premium materials
Apple Watch Edition Series 7
- Premium Materials (Stainless Steel/Titanium/Ceramic - depending on Edition)
- Refined Design
- Excellent Display Quality
- Still a very capable smartwatch
- Higher Price Point
- No Temperature Sensing
- Slightly older chipset
Display Comparison
The Series 8 Aluminum features a slightly brighter display than the Series 7 Edition, offering improved visibility in direct sunlight. Both watches have excellent Always-On display functionality and vibrant colors, but the Series 8's subtle improvements are noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a dedicated camera. This section is omitted as it's not a comparison point.
Performance
While both watches utilize a dual-core processor, the S8 chip in the Series 8 provides a small performance boost. Apps launch slightly faster, and overall responsiveness feels a bit smoother. However, for everyday tasks, the difference is minimal.
Battery Life
Both models offer similar battery life, typically lasting around 18 hours with moderate use. Charging times are also comparable, with both reaching 80% in 45 minutes.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum? Fitness enthusiasts and those wanting the latest features like temperature sensing for cycle tracking. Who should buy the Apple Watch Edition Series 7? Users prioritizing a luxurious design and premium materials, and who don't need the absolute latest tech.